Lau How Teck

Lau How Teck is a Bruneian businessperson and politician of Chinese descent who was among the members of Brunei's Legislative Council (LegCo) appointed in 2023. He is a member of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce's 43rd (2024–2026) Honorary Advisory Group in Brunei.

Early life and education
Possibly inspired by his father's agricultural activities, Lau showed an early interest in farming that would become a lifelong passion and job. He showed a special interest in geography while attending St. Andrew's School (SAS); this interest in geography was probably related to his passion with the quality of soil for growing fruits and vegetables. After finishing his fifth year at SAS, Lau committed himself to helping his father on the farm, laying the foundation for his future agricultural pursuits.

Business career
The Brunei Agriculture and Agrifood Department has twice awarded Lau's farm the Best Farm Award and the Best Advanced Farm Award, demonstrating the farm's remarkable accomplishments under his direction. As the farm's president, he has made sure that the Hua Ho Department Store receives the majority of the produce—which includes fruits, vegetables, poultry, and eggs—grown on the property.

After his father passed away in 2018, Lau assumed control of the Hua Ho Agricultural Farm and became its director. He has gradually replaced conventional farming with innovative methods on the land. He pioneered the closed-house method for raising poultry, the hydroponic and greenhouse systems for growing vegetables, and the protected culture and fertigation techniques for growing non-seasonal fruits.

Since 2000, he has raised agricultural productivity, output, and sales by utilising innovative technologies. 2013 saw 117 metric tons of fruits and vegetables grown on the farm. On 15 April 2014, the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood recognised Hua Ho Agricultural Farm and Ladang Tunas Harapan, both managed by him, with the Brunei Darussalam GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) mark. The farm was generating over 129 metric tons by 2017.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Lau reported that the Hua Ho Agricultural Farm employed around 150 people and that the labor scarcity caused the output of chickens to drop by 10%. Seventy personnel are now needed, however their work permits are past due since they went back to China. Furthermore, around twenty workers will depart and go home within the following month.

Political career
On 8 January 2022, the Brunei-China Belt and Road Promotion Association's 2nd (2022–2024) Council was sworn in, with Lau serving as one of the six vice presidents. He was among the distinct individuals appointed by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to the LegCo on 20 January 2023. As evidence of his ardent support for public welfare programs, he has a number of esteemed positions, including directorship and honorary consultancy at many Chinese associations, Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS, BSB), Brunei Tengyun Hall, and the China Cultural Foundation.

After giving a speech at the 20th LegCo meeting on 13 March 2024, Lau underlined the significance of actions taken by the Ministry of Education in fostering the development of future leaders. He praised young people who are proactive and involved in academic studies, notably undergraduates doing temporary jobs or internships, especially in the field of agriculture. In order to improve research foundations, he suggested a diverse strategy across higher education institutions and asked for clarity on the follow-up measures relating agricultural research and development initiatives.

During the LegCo meeting on 21 March 2024, Lau questioned the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Shamhary Mustapha, on how the transportation and logistics department handles cargo-related difficulties, particularly at the Muara container terminal. According to him, there were issues with queue management when loading and unloading the products of the Brunei Fertilizer Industries, which made it take a while to finish the delivery of other containers. He also inquired about the difficulties of hailing a taxi from Brunei International Airport as well as the payment rates of visitors.

Personal life
Born and raised in Brunei, Lau is a native of the country. The origins of his family may be found in Pengcheng, their ancestral home, from where his great-grandfather emigrated when Emperor Jiaqing ruled the Qing dynasty. They then made their home in Tong'an County before ultimately settling in Jinmen County's Lieyu. He is Pehin Lau Ah Kok's second son. Lu Xiuling and he have three boys. He is currently a grandfather since their oldest son, Sun Zhong, was married in 2021.

Recognition
Lau was granted the Peladang, Petani dan Penternak Berjaya in association with Hari Peladang, Petani dan Penternak dan Nelayan in November 2011 for his accomplishments and contributions to the agricultural industry.